Post navigation

ArtDontSleep is bringing yet another musically spellbinding event to Los Angeles on Sunday, July 21: A Celebration of Fela Kuti at The Mayan Theatre in downtown LA! This can’t miss event will feature legendary Tony Allen, the Nigerian master drummer who founded Afrobeat with the late Fela Kuti, who once said, “without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat.” Described by many as the greatest drummer on the planet, Allen is renowned for being able to drum in different signatures in each of his 4 limbs. Fela recognized Allen’s talent and unique ability immediately and as the drummer and musical director of Fela’s band, Africa 70 from 1968-1979, Allen helped invent the richly woven percussion and rhythm of Afrobeat.

Allen will be joined by Najite & Olokun Prophecy, led by another Nigerian master percussionist, Najite Agindotan, known as the Godson of Fela Kuti. Najite and his band, who got their start opening for Fela Kuti, have been faithfully playing for over 20 years and preserving the sound and legacy of Afrobeat and African jazz here in Los Angeles. There will be opening performances by the talented Moses Sumney, our beloved KCRW DJ and host Jeremy Sole, and special guest DJ Rich Medina.

Get your $15 advance tickets now online, at Amoeba Music in Hollywood or The Artform Studio in downtown or it’s $20 at the door. Enjoy this rare clip of Fela Kuti performing an unrecorded song in Los Angeles…his spirit is alive and well and will definitely be felt on Sunday, July 21st as The Mayan is transformed into The African Shrine for an unforgettable night — can you say Yeah Yeah???